PERRYSBURG, Ohio — A major transportation upgrade is in the works for Perrysburg, with plans to introduce the area’s first-ever diverging diamond traffic interchange (DDI) at the US 20/23 (Fremont Pike) interchange with I-75. The new traffic pattern is set to improve safety and ease congestion for commuters in the region.
The project will completely reconstruct the existing interchange, transforming it into a diverging diamond interchange (DDI), a modern traffic solution designed to reduce accidents and improve traffic flow. A DDI allows vehicles to temporarily cross to the opposite side of the road, facilitating smoother turns and safer crossings at high-traffic interchanges.
In addition to the DDI, the project will include a series of other improvements aimed at enhancing transportation infrastructure. These will include the construction of a single-lane roundabout at the intersection of U.S. Route 20/U.S. Route 23 and East South Boundary Street, as well as the installation of a shared-use path along both the north and south sides of U.S. Route 20/U.S. Route 23, stretching from the interchange to Crossroads Parkway. These pedestrian and cyclist-friendly improvements are expected to better connect the area for those not traveling by car.
The project will also see updates to the area’s roadways, including the addition of new sidewalks, crosswalks, curbs, gutters, drainage systems, and improved lighting, further enhancing safety for both vehicles and pedestrians.
Construction is set to begin in the spring of 2027, with the anticipated completion date in the fall of 2028. The project will require temporary and permanent right-of-way acquisitions, and while work is underway, a minimum of two lanes of traffic in each direction will be maintained on I-75. However, some U.S. 20 traffic and the I-75 to U.S. 20 ramps will be detoured, likely through Crossroads Parkway and State Route 199 to State Route 795, or vice versa.
While the environmental impact of the project is expected to be minor, it does include considerations for local streams and wooded bat habitats. As part of the environmental safeguards, any necessary tree removal will take place during the winter months, between October 1 and March 31, to protect local bat species during their summer roosting period.
Public participation is a key component of the project’s development. Officials are encouraging residents and stakeholders to provide feedback on the plans. Comments can be submitted by March 28, 2025, and will be included in the public input summary report. Those interested in submitting feedback can use the public comment form available online or contact the project manager directly.
The introduction of a diverging diamond interchange marks a significant improvement in traffic management for the region, with safety and efficiency as the primary goals. As the project moves forward, updates will be provided to ensure that the public is kept informed every step of the way.